At PICA we recognise that we are situated within the unceded lands of the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. We pay our respects and offer our gratitude to Elders past and present, and to those emerging leaders in the community. We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the importance of their care and continued connection to culture, community and Country.

Always was, always will be.

We are open 10am–5pm. Our exhibitions are always free.

Opal Vapour

Opal Vapour

Against a shimmering terrain of shadow and sand a contemporary ritual, inspired by ancient Java, is danced and sung.

Created across two countries – Australia and Indonesia – and offering powerful physical and internal states while balancing moral and spiritual aesthetics, Opal Vapour draws on ritual elements of Javanese Wayang Kulit shadow puppetry.

Invoking classical Javanese court-dance instilled with the mystical influence of Indonesian trance-possession ritual, Jade Dewi Tyas Tunggal’s sinuous transformation is held by Ria Soemardjo’s pure voice and evocative score suggestive of Javanese gamelan. Performed in the moment, both artists are transported through time by Paula van Beek’s sublime lighting landscapes and haunting shadow play.